Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

This 40-acre combination resort was described as Disneyland, Maui-style, when it opened back in 1980. Compared to the excesses of the late '80s, though, it now seems downright tame. It underwent a tasteful multi-million dollar renovation in the 1990s and has since opened Kamaha’o (a Marilyn Monroe Spa), featuring signature body treatments and beachside massage cabanas. Each of the 806 guest rooms and suites has its own lanai, and the best are those with views overlooking the white sand beach. Despite the proximity to the surf, most guests seem to prefer the giant meandering pool area with a convenient “grotto bar,” swinging rope bridge, 150-foot lava tube water slide, sand “island” for building castles and 3,000-square-foot Keiki Lagoon for kids. The grounds are lush, with cascading waterfalls, bubbling streams and a wide variety of birds tended by a wildlife staff. A rooftop astronomy program is offered, allowing guests to view the stars through a deep-space telescope. The multi-million dollar collection of Asian and Pacific art scattered about the property is well worth investigating. Camp Hyatt offers daytime and evening activities for kids --- the latter is a great opportunity for parents to sneak away for dinner at Japengo (Pacific Rim and sushi), Son-z Steakhouse (steaks and seafood) or a romantic oceanside dining experience just for two. The energetic Drums of the Pacific luau completes the experience. The hotel is a 15-minute walk to Whalers Village in Lahaina.

When we last visited the Maui Brewing Co.'s brew pub in Lahaina, we were thrilled to hear this small company was making plans to package and sell their handcrafted product on the open market. Visitors to Hawaii have long enjoyed this microbrew's quality, but now it is steadily growing its market off the island.

When we think of vodka and pineapple, many good things come to mind: a tropical cocktail that combines the neutral spirit with pineapple juice, preferably served with a tiny umbrella; a pineapple-infused vodka; or biting into a pineapple that's been soaked in vodka for an adult tropical treat. But we never thought of vodka actually made from pineapple!

When we last visited the Maui Brewing Co.'s brew pub in Lahaina, we were thrilled to hear this small company was making plans to package and sell their handcrafted product on the open market. Visitors to Hawaii have long enjoyed this microbrew's quality, but now it is steadily growing its market off the island.

When we think of vodka and pineapple, many good things come to mind: a tropical cocktail that combines the neutral spirit with pineapple juice, preferably served with a tiny umbrella; a pineapple-infused vodka; or biting into a pineapple that's been soaked in vodka for an adult tropical treat. But we never thought of vodka actually made from pineapple!